One of the first songs the Choir shared one Sunday over 16 years
ago when I came to DCC was an anthem titled, “In One Accord.” Many of you have heard our singers and
musicians do such a wonderful job with this piece of music. Its chorus states, “In
One Accord, before the Lord. We lift our voices TOGETHER. As one we sing,
before our King, worshipping In One Accord.”
That song has always spoken to my heart since the very first day I
heard it for many Biblical and spiritual reasons. God wants His people to be in
one accord with Jesus as our Savior and Lord so that we win the lost to Jesus
Christ. Is it possible in our day and time that some have lost their focus and
forsaken their first love? The sad thing to say is that many folks who claim to
be Christians are NOT in love with one another as God demands or with God’s
commission. When that occurs it prohibits revival and the spreading of His Good
News. If you do not believe that is true, check out CNN’s website on Tuesday
where it is now reporting that 1 out of 5 Americans claim no religious affiliation
at all with over 13 million atheist and agnostics in our country.
Another sad thing to say is that many in the Church are not full
of joy because they are not like minded as Paul states in the verse. Being like
minded in Christ means that I think and act like Jesus and I will follow His
Holy Spirit as my guide. True believers love, forgive and surrender their life
for a greater cause of the Kingdom. If you check out Jesus in the Gospels that
is exactly what He did. This verse implies that the love we received from God
in Christ is one we will share with others no matter of opinion, preference or
circumstance. The goal is salvation; no matter the method we use in Christ to
get there!! This same love and mindset according to the Bible leads to harmony
as the Church moves into the future “In
One Accord.”
You would be amazed how much I cry. In fact, you would be taken
away at how often I weep. It is very true: I weep many days for God’s Church
because I long for the Church to be “In One Accord.” For example, I weep for
the Church of Jesus Christ in the day in which we live because I do not see
harmony any more. Too many people want it their way instead of God’s. I weep
for the Church because I do not see Christians in love with God and His Church
as they use to be. In fact some Christians today are not loving people. More
folks in our day and time fill their time and agenda with things they prefer
rather than the desires and wishes of Christ. I weep because people will not
come to Worship or even take time out of their schedules while they are here to
come and pray.
When I was in India a couple of years ago it touched my heart to
see the unity and camaraderie of the Christians. Under persecution and strife,
these folks banded together for the common good of God. I remember some of the
men riding their bicycles 5 hours one day to come and hear me preach the Word
of God, yet we have many on our roll who will not get out of bed or turn the
television off and drive 10 minutes to come and be with the Lord. Many people
on our roll at DCC and some that receive these messages will not come back to
Church for Worship and its many activities, yet I have prayed for them, written
them countless emails and text messages. I weep for these people because I love
them and miss them. I have even offered to go visit if they would open their
home to me for prayer and dialog. I also weep because of the evilness and
decisiveness that Satan has embedded in some folks as he uses trickery,
deception and flat out manipulation to tear individuals lives far away from the
teachings of Jesus and the attributes of a loving Savior. I weep for people
beloved no matter where they are who are lost. Here is the main reason I become
distraught at times, for I weep because many people are losing their very soul
right in front of our eyes as they play around with Christianity when “Canaanland
is just in sight!!”
The Albert Barnes Commentary said this on our verse today. He
said, “Perfect unity of sentiment,
opinion, and plan would be desirable, if it could be attained. It may be, so
far as to prevent discord, schism, contention, and strife in the church, and so
that Christians may be harmonious in promoting the same great work--the
salvation of souls. Our love is to be to
the same objects, and the same love one for another. Though their opinions
might differ on some points, yet they might be united in love. Being in one
accord means a union of soul; or acting together as if but one soul actuated
them. The Church should think the same
thing. Paul wished them to avoid all divisions and strife; and to show the
power of religion by being united in the common cause. Probably there is no
single thing so much insisted on in the New Testament as the importance of
harmony among Christians. Now, there is almost nothing so little known; but if
it prevailed, the world would soon be converted to God.”
My friends be very, very careful. Satan is on the prowl and
demonic spirits are around us. Make every attempt to not be trapped by Satan
and strive to listen to the voice of God!! Do your best to live “In One Accord”
with Jesus Christ and with your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Our ambition
must not be self-satisfaction or to be pleased and catered. Our job is to win
people to Jesus Christ no matter the price, method, sacrifice or cost.
An Internet poem read:
“All His children working in One Accord,
Working on a Mission sent from the Lord.
Through us He is bringing the Word to each and everyone,
Telling all the Good News sent through Jesus His Son.
We are to be the lights for everyone to see,
To take them out of the darkness and into the light they will be.
God’s children in One Accord is what others need to see,
The Father said it, because He knew how important it would be.”
That beautiful song I referenced earlier also said, “There’s
no time to be divided His Word must be shared, so many are hurting to know
someone cares. For we have been chosen as His light to shine, oh we must united
in one heart and mind.”
Let us pray: Dear God, My prayer today is for love, unity, peace and joy to come
to the entire Church of Jesus Christ. Forgive us of our sins and shortcomings.
Help Your children to be “In One Accord.”
In Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Have a blessed Wednesday. Please come and joins us at Daniels
Chapel Church for Bible study, fellowship and youth and music activities.
I LOVE YOU!!
Pastor Johnny
Tuesday, 11 PM
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